NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008TRAN0059-001278 Aug. 25, 2008	Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
LEFT TURN AT SPRUCE STREET UNSAFE

PRINCE GEORGE – The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will not permit the construction of a left-turn lane from Highway 97 into the Spruce Street area because it would be unsafe to do so, announced Minister Kevin Falcon today.

 

“The Province committed to taking a final look at a left-turn lane into Spruce Street area. This latest study clearly shows that a left-turn in this area of Highway 97 would be unsafe and interrupt Highway 97 traffic flow,” said Falcon.

 

At the request of the MLA for Prince-George-Mount Robson, Shirley Bond, the Province commissioned a final study of the issue. The independent study was conducted by EBA Engineering Consultants, Dr. Paul de Leur, Ph.D., P. Eng of de Leur Consulting Ltd. and Mr. Marco Guarnaschelli, M. Eng., P. Eng. of NovaTrans Engineering Inc. Their findings show that a left-turn lane would reduce safety at the intersection and compromise the long-term traffic flow of the Highway 97 corridor. Specifically, the report cited:

·  A 100 per cent increase in collision frequency.

·  An increase in the severity of the collisions (e.g. “head-on” and “T-bone” crashes).

·  Additional financial collision costs estimated to be at least $2.5 million dollars over 15 years.

 

The ministry has reviewed the case for a left-turn lane on five separate occasions since 1971. Consistent with the findings from this independent study, these reviews have all affirmed that a left-turn lane in the area would be unsafe for motorists.

 

During the construction of the approaches to the Simon Fraser Bridge, the ministry will install a raised median to stop illegal u-turns in the area. This median will match the safety standards outlined in the Cariboo Connector design strategy.

 

In an effort to partner with the local business owners, the ministry will provide additional signing directing southbound traffic to the Spruce Street area.

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Media contact:	Jeff Knight Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 250 356-7707
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